Having sold very well in the northern market, Smoker Craft looked to expand the reach of the 171 Pro Bass into the southern market. This model delivers the upscale fishability bass fishermen want in a rugged aluminum design. The 171 Pro Bass is one in a series of three bass rigs from Smoker Craft. Her hull has a 10 year warranty and the carpeting carries a 5 year warranty. The hull and sides are constructed of heavy 0.100 gauge welded aluminum. She has a large 50” fish box/livewell in the stern casting deck.

Key Features

Navigation Lights

Bow Center Rod Storage

Bow Storage

25 Gallon Stern Livewell

Baitwell with Bucket

Four 4-1/2" Cleats

Motor Tilt Switch

Trolling Motor Plug

3 Battery Compartments

5-Year Carpet Warranty

2-Bass Seats

2-Movable Pedestals Seats

Windscreen

Specifications

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass (2009-) Specifications

Length Overall

17' 10''

Dry Weight

1,075 lbs.

Beam

81''

Tested Weight

N/A

Draft

N/A

Fuel Cap

21 gal.

Deadrise/Transom

N/A

Water Cap

N/A

Max Headroom

open

Bridge Clearance

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Engine Options

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass (2009-) Engine options

Std. Power

Not Available

Tested Power

Not Available

Opt. Power

Not Available

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass (2009-) Photo Gallery

A Stable Bass Rig

The 171 Pro Bass measures 17’10” and is 81” in the beam. She weighs about 1075 lbs. dry and carries 21 gallons of fuel.

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass (2009-) Captain's Report

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass

By Capt. Rob Smith

On the stern

This model is designed for the latest four stroke engines, like the Honda 90 hp EFI. On the stern, you have room to cast, and without the casting chair, it is easy to move from port to starboard working fish. Stability at the stern is terrific. I was moving around checking her out and felt comfortable even when relaxing with my foot balanced on the gunwales and picking up gear on the docks. Two dry boxes in the stern will keep your gear and life jackets handy. Access to the mechanicals, pumps, batteries, etc. is across the aft end of the stern platform. The fish box is a carry-over from the northern market that southerners will appreciate. The 50” combination pitch box/livewell/baitwell gives you tons of room regardless of the type of fish you seek. The stern platform measured about 40” deep and nearly the width of the beam.

In the cockpit

The 171 Pro Bass is typical of most bass rigs I have been on. Three across seating with a fold-down center seat for easy access to and from the stern. There is a little storage under it, not much. I am not a small guy, so I felt a bit snug at the helm. I didn’t feel like I had freedom of movement in the footwell and the throttle didn’t go into full reverse freely as my hip was in the way. Both of these things are simple enough to get used to, just my observation from the driver’s seat. The instruments were positioned well for good visibility, and the low profile windshield offered reasonable protection to the driver. The cockpit measured about 31” by the width of the beam, with a cockpit depth or interior height of 18”.

On the bow

The bow casting deck offers 67” by 72” of freedom, and a base to mount a casting chair. The 171 Pro Bass is pre-rigged for trolling motors and has a tilt switch to pick up the big motor when you are ready to begin trolling for the lunkers in the lake. Trolling motor batteries for the 24 volt system are spread between two bow dry boxes to maintain weight and balance. The cranking battery is in the stern aft compartment.

My test rig was set up with a Motor Guide 46 with a tethered foot control that worked quite well. The bow light is stowed in a clip up front so you don’t have to dig under all your gear in the bow storage boxes as the sun goes down. The center locker is designed to stow your rods and is lockable to make sure they are still in there after you go in for your coffee in the mornings on your way to the ramp.

Specifications

The 171 Pro Bass is 17’10” length overall with a beam of 6’9”. She tips the scales at 1075 lbs. dry without engine. She has a fuel capacity of 21 gallons and is rated for up to 90 hp outboards. Maximum weight capacity is 1225 lbs. Bottom and side gauge is 0.100 aluminum, all welded.

Conclusions

The 171 Pro Bass was easy to drive and responsive. In my opinion, this model is a good choice for those fishermen wanting some of the same creature features of the professional anglers, yet in a package that is affordable, durable and practical in their driveway.

Standard and Optional Equipment

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems

Battery Charger/Converter

Exterior Features

Carpet: Cockpit

Canvas

Full Canvas

= Standard = Optional

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass (2009-) Warranty

Smoker Craft 171 Pro Bass (2009-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.